About Kayaks

Whether you want to explore a lake or hidden cove on vacation, or you’re hoping to challenge yourself by taking a trip down a river filled with rapids, a kayak may be the ideal vessel for your boating adventure. Like canoes, kayaks move through the water using the power of your paddling; however, kayaks are different in that you use a double-sided paddle, and you have better stability thanks to sitting closer to the water. These long, narrow vessels can glide through water quickly and easily.

Different types of kayaking require different boats, though, so you’ll need to think very carefully about what activities you want to do with your kayak, so you pick the right one. Let’s begin by examining the different types of kayak:

Recreational kayaks are best for calm water and leisurely trips. They are stable enough for everyone from beginners to advanced but casual kayakers. Some have enough storage to carry supplies for a full day of touring. Recreational kayaks are about 10-12 feet long.

Touring kayaks are ideal for long trips in open water. They also perform better than recreational kayaks in rough waters. They include plenty of storage for multi-day trips, and a bulkhead with a sealed hatch, which can trap air and keep the kayak floating if water comes into the cockpit. Touring kayaks are 12-17 feet long and have a curved hull to lift over waves. They are narrower than recreational kayaks.

Sit-on-top kayaks are good for beginners or those who want to easily jump out to swim. You sit on top of a molded depression rather than inside a cockpit. Because the seat is above the water, these kayaks are wider and slower than others but are very stable.

Portable kayaks come in several styles. Modular kayaks are made of two sections that easily snap together and apart for easy carrying; they are available in recreational, touring, and sit-on-top styles. Inflatable kayaks can be deflated to carry in a duffel-sized bag; they are lightweight but tend to be slower than others. Folding kayaks can be small enough to fit into a backpack, but unlike inflatables, they have a rigid frame and more storage, and perform more like a hard-shell kayak.

Hard-shell kayaks are typically made of polyethylene plastic, which is cheap and durable. However, it can warp in heat and damage can be hard to repair. Thermoformed ABS is a more expensive option, but is lightweight and resistant to UV rays. High-end kayaks may be made of fiberglass, Kevlar, or a carbon blend. Soft-shell kayaks are made of cloth-like materials.

Ideally, you need to try a kayak before you buy. Visit a local water sports specialty shop, or try a sporting goods store such as REI, to try a selection of models and figure out which one is right for you. If you have an idea of what type of kayak you want, you can find great deals on a site like Amazon; just be sure to thoroughly read reviews before purchasing.